followed, and then the battalion was dismissed for dinner.

"It's a fine wind-up for this season's encampment," said Tom, after it
was over. "I don't believe we'll ever have another encampment like it."

"And now, ho, for the rolling river!" cried Sam. "Say, I'm just crazy
to begin that trip on the houseboat."

"So am I," came from both of his brothers. But they might not have been
so anxious had they dreamed of the many adventures and perils in store
for them.




CHAPTER II

ON THE WAY TO PUTNAM HALL


"Boys, we start the march back to Putnam Hall in fifteen minutes!"

Such was the news which flew around the camp not long after the dinner
hour had passed. Already the tents had been taken down, the baggage
strapped, and six big wagons fairly groaned with the loads of goods to
be taken back to the military institution.

The cadets had marched to the camp by one route and were to return to
the academy by another. All was bustle and excitement, for in spite of
the general order a few things had gone astray.